Former NFL all-time record holder won’t be seen again until 2026

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who missed the majority of the 2024 season because of an Achilles injury, has suffered more devastating injury news that could see him ruled out until 2026, the franchise has revealed.

Browns statement on Deshaun Watson injury

“Yesterday, Deshaun Watson underwent a second surgery to repair his right Achilles tendon rupture” a Browns statement issued on Friday (January 10) begins.

“Watson initially tore the tendon during the Browns' Week 7 game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Oct. 20. His first surgery was performed on Oct. 25.

“Earlier this week, when Watson reported to CrossCountry Mortgage Campus for his exit physical as part of the Browns' season-ending process, he complained of discomfort after rolling his ankle in Miami.

“MRI results demonstrated a re-rupture to his Achilles tendon. Dr. Bob Anderson, a foot and ankle specialist in Charlotte, NC, performed both surgeries.

“Watson’s recovery time and return to play status is uncertain, and he will likely miss significant time during the 2025 season."

Deshaun Watson’s fading NFL career

Watson’s NFL career has been hugely disrupted by injuries, as well as a number of sexual misconduct lawsuits.

After the end of his first three seasons with the Houston Texans, the 29-year-old boasted a 24-13 regular season record and briefly become the league’s all-time regular season career passer-rating leader in 2020. He held that status for only five days before being overtaken by the Kansas City Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes.

The quarterback didn’t play for the Texans at all during the 2021 season due to disagreements with the team’s front office and coaching staff, as well as the aforementioned legal issues.

How much does Deshaun Watson earn with the Browns?

Yet his previous form saw him sign one of the largest contract in NFL history ($230 million over five years) with the Browns in 2022, since when he has played a grand total of 19 games.

Watson was suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 season because of sexual harassment allegations and missed much of the following year due to a broken shoulder.

He was fully fit for the start of the 2024 season but tore his Achilles tendon - for the first time - in the Browns’ Week 7 defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals. Up until that point, Watson was 1-6 for the season, one of his worst runs of form in his career, and the Browns fared little better without him, ending the regular season with a 3-14 record.

The 2025 NFL season gets underway on Thursday, September 4, although the Browns don’t expect to have him at their disposal until considerably later on, perhaps even in 2026.

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